Patents by Inventor David A. Kropp
David A. Kropp has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20200062408Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied in a systems for heating an exterior surface of a bulk medium. In one example, the system includes two or more coupling strips spaced apart from one another and attached to the bulk medium. Each of the coupling strips has a multi-layer structure extending along a surface of the bulk medium that forms, in combination with the bulk medium, an electrical transmission line. The multi-layer structure includes a first dielectric layer over the bulk medium, a conductive layer over the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the conductive layer, and a conductive shielding layer over the second dielectric layer. A power control system is coupled to the conductive layer of each of the coupling strips and to the bulk medium. The power control system is configured to heat the bulk medium by providing current to the coupling strips.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2019Publication date: February 27, 2020Inventors: Alexandru Bratianu-Badea, Ruben Toubiana, Christopher Buenrostro, Sean David Kropp
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Patent number: 9189812Abstract: A kiosk for leasing carpet cleaning machines to customers comprises a storage unit and an electronic input device. The storage unit is configured to house a carpet cleaning device and comprises a locking portion and an electronically controlled lock. The electronically controlled lock is able to, alternatively, lock and unlock the locking portion. The storage unit is configured such that the carpet cleaning machine can be secured thereto by electronically locking the locking portion, and such that the carpet cleaning machine can be removed from or returned to the storage unit when the locking portion is unlocked. The electronic input device is adapted and configured to obtain a code key from a customer and to cause the electronically controlled lock to unlock the locking portion following the receipt of the code key without any remote communication with any other non-customer device external to the kiosk.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Rug Doctor, LLCInventors: David A. Kropp, Timothy J. Wall
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Patent number: 9135767Abstract: A self-service kiosk enables customers to conduct rental transactions for carpet cleaning machines without the need of assistance from store personnel. The kiosk comprises a housing having several stalls or bays that hold and display carpet cleaning machines and carpet cleaning accessories for rental. The kiosk controls whether such carpet cleaning machines and carpet cleaning accessories can be removed from or returned to the kiosk. The kiosk also optionally includes a control panel for conducting a rental transaction. The self-service kiosk may also include automatic dispensing of cleaning products purchased by the customer at the kiosk. Still further, the self-serve kiosk may include shelving for holding cleaning products that can be purchased separately at a checkout counter.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2013Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Rug Doctor, LLCInventors: David A. Kropp, Timothy J. Wall, Michael E. Shin
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Publication number: 20140100972Abstract: A kiosk for leasing carpet cleaning machines to customers comprises a storage unit and an electronic input device. The storage unit is configured to house a carpet cleaning device and comprises a locking portion and an electronically controlled lock. The electronically controlled lock is able to, alternatively, lock and unlock the locking portion. The storage unit is configured such that the carpet cleaning machine can be secured thereto by electronically locking the locking portion, and such that the carpet cleaning machine can be removed from or returned to the storage unit when the locking portion is unlocked. The electronic input device is adapted and configured to obtain a code key from a customer and to cause the electronically controlled lock to unlock the locking portion following the receipt of the code key without any remote communication with any other non-customer device external to the kiosk.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Inventors: David A. Kropp, Timothy J. Wall
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Publication number: 20130270979Abstract: A self-service kiosk enables customers to conduct rental transactions for carpet cleaning machines without the need of assistance from store personnel. The kiosk comprises a housing having several stalls or bays that hold and display carpet cleaning machines and carpet cleaning accessories for rental. The kiosk controls whether such carpet cleaning machines and carpet cleaning accessories can be removed from or returned to the kiosk. The kiosk also optionally includes a control panel for conducting a rental transaction. The self-service kiosk may also include automatic dispensing of cleaning products purchased by the customer at the kiosk. Still further, the self-serve kiosk may include shelving for holding cleaning products that can be purchased separately at a checkout counter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: David A. Kropp, Timothy J. Wall, Michael E. Shin
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Patent number: 8483871Abstract: A self-service kiosk enables customers to conduct rental transactions for carpet cleaning machines without the need of assistance from store personnel. The kiosk comprises a housing having several stalls or bays that hold and display carpet cleaning machines and carpet cleaning accessories for rental. The kiosk controls whether such carpet cleaning machines and carpet cleaning accessories can be removed from or returned to the kiosk. The kiosk also optionally includes a control panel for conducting a rental transaction. The self-service kiosk may also include automatic dispensing of cleaning products purchased by the customer at the kiosk. Still further, the self-serve kiosk may include shelving for holding cleaning products that can be purchased separately at a checkout counter.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Rug Doctor, Inc.Inventors: David A. Kropp, Timothy J. Wall, Michael E. Shin
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Publication number: 20120130535Abstract: A self-service kiosk enables customers to conduct rental transactions for carpet cleaning machines without the need of assistance from store personnel. The kiosk comprises a housing having several stalls or bays that hold and display carpet cleaning machines and carpet cleaning accessories for rental. The kiosk controls whether such carpet cleaning machines and carpet cleaning accessories can be removed from or returned to the kiosk. The kiosk also optionally includes a control panel for conducting a rental transaction. The self-service kiosk may also include automatic dispensing of cleaning products purchased by the customer at the kiosk. Still further, the self-serve kiosk may include shelving for holding cleaning products that can be purchased separately at a checkout counter.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: RUG DOCTOR, INC.Inventors: David A. Kropp, Timothy J. Wall, Michael E. Shin
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Patent number: 6115714Abstract: A method for invoking an action on a multi-dimensional database includes associating a procedure with a plurality of cells and invoking the procedure when at least one cell in the plurality is accessed. The method may be embodied on an article of manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Kenan Systems Corp.Inventors: Mary Clara Gallagher, Brian James McGill, Alan David Kropp